The Nordic Diet Is A Great Diet, Even Better Than The Mediterranean Diet

Maybe you’re wondering what the Nordic diet is. According to some nutritionists, the Nordic diet is the healthiest way to eat since, just like the Mediterranean diet, is also one of the most interesting options for a healthy living.

An article in Men’s Health magazine points out the benefits of eating the foods in this diet.

“In short, it is a plant-based way of eating with an emphasis on fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, herring), berries, potatoes or carrots, nuts, legumes, low-fat dairy products and whole grains. Following the Nordic diet also means eliminating processed foods and most high-fat meats (like sausages or bacon). It is based on the cuisine of Nordic countries such as Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland,” reads the article.

Lauren Antonucci, a registered dietitian and the director of Nutrition Energy, says the diet has been adapted from the Baltic Sea Diet Pyramid.

The Nordic diet is quite similar to the super-healthy Mediterranean diet

While sharing very common points, the key difference is that the Mediterranean diet is known for its focus on olive oil, while the Nordic diet actually promotes rapeseed oil, also known as canola oil.

“Canola oil can help reduce ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol and the risk of heart disease and stroke,” says Ryan Maciel, a Cambridge-based nutritionist. Compared to olive oil, “canola oil may be better at reducing bad cholesterol and improving heart health,” he adds.

The health benefits of the Nordic diet

Both the Mediterranean diet and the Nordic diet reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The Nordic diet, additionally, can also help in weight loss diets.

The Nordic diet is based on rapeseed oil, fish, eggs, nuts, and low-fat dairy products but it also recommends the consumption of fruits, especially berries, carrots, turnips, potatoes, beets, and parsnips, but also on broccoli and spinach. Additionally, oats, barley, rye, and wheat are also recommended.